Former Wolfgang Puck Duo Reunites to Open a New Dallas Restaurant with Throwback Appeal

Deep Ellum’s newest addition to the Dallas restaurant scene, IdleRye, features a menu of global cuisine.

Co-owned by Bruce Wills, Daniel Wills, and chef Ray Skradzinski, the mod American restaurant opened earlier this month with dishes inspired by the owners’ Polish and Louisianan backgrounds.

Bruce Wills and Skradzinski previously worked together at Wolfgang Puck’s Five Sixty in Reunion Tower. IdleRye is the first concept for Bruce, Daniel, and Skradzinski’s newly formed restaurant group, Smoke & Mortar.

“We’re excited to get to know our guests and become a part of Deep Ellum,” Bruce says, “which we have witnessed transform over the past few years into a cultural landmark for North Texas.”

On the brunch menu at their new IdleRye: small bites (Tots and Gravy, Crispy Bacon Balls) and traditional meals like Bacon & Eggs and Buttermilk-Vanilla Pancakes. The lunch and dinner menu showcases Pierogi and a Gulf Shrimp Po’Boy as well as housemade sausages and pastas, such as the Ridiculous Sausage Sandwich and Cavatelli — braised beef bolognese with parmesan, basil, and crispy garlic.

In a nod to the Prohibition era, the restaurant serves inventive craft cocktails, plus wine by the glass or bottle, and beer on tap.

IdleRye’s interior induces a step back in time with galvanized metals; locally sourced, distressed, and blowtorched wood; Edison lighting fixtures; and rustic pipe fittings and pulleys. In addition to a 3,400-square-foot dining space, there’s a 900-square-foot patio and courtyard.

Dine at IdleRye Mondays through Wednesdays, 11 am to midnight; Thursdays through Saturdays, 11 am to 2 pm; and Sundays from 11 am to 11 pm. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am to 5 pm.

IdleRye, 2826 Elm St., 972.535.4569.